10.11.2026 16:10
As millions of retirees turn their eyes to the salary increase to be made in January, a striking claim came from journalist Sinan Burhan. Sharing behind-the-scenes information, Burhan stated that the lowest retiree pension could be between 33,000 and 35,000 liras, saying, "The figure of 35,000 would not be a surprise either." Burhan estimated 42,000–43,000 liras for the lowest civil servant retiree pension.
As the new year approaches, expectations are rising regarding the raise to be made to the salaries of millions of retirees. While the raise rates are expected to become clear with the inflation data to be announced in January, scenarios for a welfare share and a regulation for the lowest pension are being discussed behind the scenes. Sinan Burhan, Editor-in-Chief of Millet News Agency, shared the information he obtained from his meetings with unions and the bureaucracy on the tv100 live broadcast and gave figures regarding the salaries retirees could receive in the new year.
33-35 THOUSAND LIRA FOR THE LOWEST PENSION
Sinan Burhan stated that in addition to a 10 percent inflation differential, a welfare share could also be added to pensions. Saying that he expects the lowest pension to be between 33 thousand and 35 thousand lira, Burhan used the following statements:
“The information I obtained from my own personal sources—we are talking with unions, we are talking with the bureaucracy—there is also talk of a raise stemming from this year’s 10 percent inflation differential. The current lowest pension is 23.5 [thousand]. With the new regulation, the impression I have formed is that the salary retirees will receive will be between 33 thousand and 35 thousand at the lower limit; I am saying this as Sinan Burhan, based on the impression I have formed. Close to 35 thousand. 33 thousand and 35 thousand.”
THE POSSIBILITY OF IT BEING 35 THOUSAND LIRA IS VERY HIGH
Arguing that the lowest pension could rise above 33 thousand lira, Burhan claimed that the welfare share would also be included in the raise calculation.
Burhan said, “At the lowest, 33 thousand, and I can say that I see the amount above that at a very strong rate. Under today’s conditions, I think the lowest pension will be between 33 and 35 thousand. First, a 10 percent raise. Additionally, a welfare share. Look, we have a concept called welfare share. When you add the welfare share, the lowest pension—we are giving this here for the first time—will be between 33 thousand and 35 thousand. Raise plus welfare share. I foresee this as the lower limit.”
THE 35 THOUSAND FIGURE WOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE EITHER
Noting that the information he received from behind-the-scenes circles strengthened the possibility of a 35 thousand lira salary, Burhan also drew attention to the economic difficulties experienced by retirees.
Burhan said, “I also estimate that it will be above that, but ultimately we cannot be in a position to raise expectations. The information I have received here from unions, the bureaucracy there, and employers is 33 thousand and 35 thousand; in fact, the figure of 35 thousand would not be a surprise either. Because our esteemed President had declared a year of retirement. The situation of retirees is difficult. There are 17 million 100 thousand retirees. Here, this figure is truly extremely important.”
Saying that a salary of 35 thousand lira would mean an increase of approximately 50 percent compared with the current lowest pension, Burhan also emphasized that these figures are not based on an official statement.
42-43 THOUSAND LIRA ESTIMATE FOR CIVIL SERVANT RETIREES
Sinan Burhan also announced his expectations regarding the salaries of civil servant retirees. He argued that the lowest civil servant retiree pension could rise to the level of 42 thousand to 43 thousand lira with the new regulation.
Burhan said, “Let me also state the minimum raise I foresee for civil servant retirees. I expect the minimum raise for civil servant retirees to be around 42 thousand. At the lowest, 42-43 thousand, the lowest, minimum. The salaries of some civil servant retirees were low. We expect that to be around 42-43 thousand at the lowest for civil servant retirees as well.”
THE FIGURES HAVE NOT YET BEEN OFFICIALIZED
Burhan underlined that the figures he shared are not finalized raise rates announced by the government. He stated that his estimates are based on the impressions he obtained from his meetings with unions, the bureaucracy, and other sources.
The official decision regarding the raise to be made to pensions and the possible welfare share regulation is expected to become clear in the coming period.